Chondrocyte

Chondrocytes are specialized cells that are the sole cellular component of healthy cartilage tissue. They play a central role in the synthesis, maintenance, and repair of the cartilaginous extracellular matrix (ECM), which is primarily composed of collagen (mainly type II) and proteoglycans. They originate from mesenchymal stem cells and reside within lacunae inside cartilaginous tissue. Their main functions include synthesizing and maintaining the ECM, regulating growth, participating in repair, and contributing to ossification. Chondrocytes are clinically relevant in the context of cartilage diseases like osteoarthritis, and are used in regenerative therapies like Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI).